Opinions vary on whether or not the Wichita-built Starship was ever a creation of beauty or a total absurdity. Commercially, it was unquestionably, an utter failure. 53 (too many) of these ridiculous planes were produced between the 1980s and early 1990s.
Over a decade later, in 2003, to be precise, Raytheon Aircraft and the Federal Aviation Administration announced they intended to recall all of the Starships ever made and additionally scrap the ones that had been made because the airframer could no longer support them. A monumental loss indeed. It’s safe to say that this was quite the failure and an example of overly lavish designs that are completely unnecessary.
Kamov KA- 32
Developed by the Bureau of Russian Helicopters' Kamov, the Ka-32 is a product of the military Ka-27, and its variants are used for a number of missions for heavy-lift cargo operations. firefighting, and medevac.
This is a highly distinctive design that stands out like a sore thumb. While it may get the job done, this aircraft looks like a giant alien bee as it hovers above the ground. Designers weren't exactly thinking of aesthetics when they made it.
The Belfast-build SC.7
The Belfast-build SC.7 is a high-wing turboprop with 19-seats that was used primarily for cargo transport and, due to its somewhat box-like shape, it became known by pilots as "the shed."
Some 153 models were manufactured between the years 1963 and 1986. While the Skyvan demonstrated itself as a useful workhorse it has historically topped lists as one of the ugliest aircraft ever made.
Aviation Traders Carvair
The Carvair had its first take-off in the year 1961, but of the 21 built planes that were built, as many as eight of them were involved in crashes. That does not say much for reliability. This probably had something to do with the fact that the Aviation Traders company founded by entrepreneur Freddie Laker attempted to convert the surplus of Douglas DC-4 engines into car transporters, fit for 25 passengers.
Knowing the reputation of Douglas, this did not sound like a good idea. Of course, there is a lot of money in transporting cars and the details were overlooked. The result was many many accidents. Needless to say, it was discontinued.
Adam A700
Here is an example of how difficult it is to get a plane off the ground, so to speak. This doesn't only refer to mechanics, but also to money. The Adam A700 was a victim of financial issues, even though it was produced during the early 2000s aviation start-up boom. Things looked positive, as many plane start-ups were succeeding, but sadly the Adam was not one of the fruitful ones.
The six-seat A700 had two Williams FJ33s mounted on the fuselage and twin wing-mounted booms supporting aft twin rudders, linked by a high horizontal stabilizer. The same went for its A500 piston-powered sister. By 2008, the Adam went bankrupt and was never seen again.